Retired soldiers reject DHQ order to vacate finance ministry

The protesting ex soldiers

Retired soldiers protesting unpaid entitlements have vowed to continue their demonstrations at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, rejecting an order from the Defence Headquarters directing them to vacate the premises.

The ex-servicemen, who have staged multiple protests in recent months, accused the military authorities of diverting funds meant for their allowances and gratuities.

They argued that as civilians, they are no longer bound by military law and therefore have the constitutional rights to stage peaceful demonstrations.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Corp. Emmanuel Momodu (retd) accused government officials of frustrating efforts to resolve the matter and diverting attention by linking the crisis to the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“They know, and we know, that the money has been siphoned. To refund it is the problem. We are not asking for what is not ours. We only demand our rightful benefits. If they feel embarrassed, then they should come out and address us rather than use threats or force,” he said.

The retired soldier alleged that several entitlements due to them, including parking allowance, advance payments, and outstanding four-month security deployment allowances, have not been paid.

He dismissed the DHQ’s order of vacation as unlawful. Punch